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Here's What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago

Ice skating is always a festive thing to do on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Ice skating is always a festive thing to do on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
12/15/23 - By Lauren LaRoche

Searching for places open on Christmas Day in Chicago? Here are 10 things to do on Christmas Day in Chicago.

On Christmas morning, kids run downstairs, tear through the presents, eat a sweet breakfast... and then what?

For families who want special things to do on Christmas Day after the dust settles, or for those looking to get out at the least-crowded times, there are several places open on Christmas Day in Chicago to enjoy with loved ones. Many outdoor venues, such as the Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden, are fantastic places for a White Christmas, while Willis Tower's SkyDeck provides a unique opportunity to view the city's holiday lights from above. Take in a drive-in holiday favorite at ChiTown Movies or warm up with some tropical flowers at Garfield Park Conservatory or Wilder Park Conservatory.

We've rounded up 10 fun things to do on Christmas Day in Chicago for families who want to get out of the house. Be sure to also check out our guide to holiday and Christmas activities for more fun on or around the holidays.

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1. Lincoln Park Zoo and Brookfield Zoo 

Wish the resident animals a Merry Christmas. Neither zoo has its holiday lights displays open, but families can visit the Lincoln Park Zoo or Brookfield Zoo during their regular 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours.

 
Bond with Santa at Willis Tower's Sky Deck. Photo courtesy of SkyDeck

2. Willis Tower's SkyDeck

Step out on the clear glass ledge to see the lights of the city from the 103rd floor of this Chicago iconic structure. Reservations are required, and the SkyDeck is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day, giving viewers plenty of time to take in the scene after dark.

3.  Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up

You might no longer need a Christmas tree, but you can visit Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up for ice skating, holiday lights, music, axe-throwing, and bumper cars.

4. Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden 

The light shows at both of these gardens are closed on Christmas, but visitors can hike through the winter landscapes to see what is in bloom. The Morton Arboretum's Human + Nature exhibit, featuring five enormous tree-themed sculptures throughout the park, continues through spring 2023.

RELATED: 35 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago

 
Cozy up to the flowers at Garfield Park. Photo courtesy of Garfield Park

5. Garfield Park Conservatory and Wilder Park Conservatory

Warm up with some tropical plants. Both greenhouses have spectacular flower shows going on to celebrate the holidays, and offer some of the least expensive indoor activity options on Christmas.

6. Outdoor Skating Rinks

Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Maggie Daley Park's Skating Ribbon, and Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park rink are all open for business. Reservations are required.

7. Kid-Friendly Restaurants

From fancy (like the Peninsula) to low-key (like Paisan's Pizzeria), Chicago has plenty of options for keeping your kitchen clean, even if there's still wrapping paper littering the living room.

8. Holiday Light Shows

Displays dazzle at Lilacia Park in Lombard, Phillips Park in Aurora, Willow Hill in Northbrook, Central Park in Oak Brook, Adams Park in Wheaton, and in Downtown Naperville on December 25 for families who want to brighten up Christmas night.

9. Chi-Town Movies

The charming drive-in venue is showing Elf and Home Alone on Christmas Day. Plus, you can pass on making dinner and order tacos to your car.

RELATED: 43 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids 

 
Take in some local art on Christmas Day at Art on the Mart. Photo courtesy of artonthemart.com

10. Art on the Mart

The nightly show is on this holiday season at The Merchandise Mart, featuring Chicago Design Through the Decades and images and music from The Nutcracker.

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